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They Say, You Say…

(Reprinted from the November 2014 issue of Sidewalk Counseling News, published by Pro-Life Action Ministries)

If you’ve been sidewalk counseling for any length of time, you will have heard these comments (and more). Here are some suggested answers. The first part is by Ann Redding, Sidewalk Counseling Coordinator of Pro-Life Action Ministries, and the second part is by Debra Braun, Education Director. Please contact Pro-Life Action Ministries if you’d like further explanations of any of these responses. We also have brochures and further training materials for specific situations.

“You’re right, but whatever situation you are in, an abortion will make things worse.”

“Back off! Get lost! Leave me alone!”

“Your anger is misdirected. You are angry that you are in a bad situation, but we can help you.”

“Are you going to raise my baby?”

“Life is a precious gift. No one in this world is truly ‘unwanted.’ You can choose an adoptive family for your child.”

“Get a job!”

“I have a wonderful job at this moment; it is protecting you and your child from the dangerous path you are on.”

“Can you really help me?”

“Many people can help! I have a list of organizations whose sole purpose is to help pregnant women!”

“Quit harassing us, this is hard enough already!”

“I’m sorry you view my concern as harassment. The reason this is ‘hard’ is because it is a wrong choice. Some choices are wrong and abortion is a bad choice that makes people unhappy.”

“You don’t need to listen to them, they are just protesters.” (from an abortion escort or worker)

“I am not a ‘protester,’ I am a ‘protector,’ a ‘protector of women and their unborn children.’”

“I’m just here for birth control.”

“Sometimes people tell us they’re here for something else when they’re really here for an abortion. You can be honest with me. God knows the truth anyway.”

“I’m not even pregnant.”

“Please take this information anyway. If you know someone who IS pregnant, we are here to help her keep her baby instead of abortion. If you really are here for birth control, here’s some information on the dangers of birth control. Do you know that some birth control methods can actually cause an early abortion? If you’re married, I have information on Natural Family Planning.”

“We can’t even afford the kids we have now!”

“Things could change for the better in seven months; you might even get a better job. You wouldn’t kill one of your other children. This child is just as precious as they are. Trust God and let us help you.”

“She’s 14 years old and was raped!” (from the girl’s father)

“An abortion won’t help her. Let us provide REAL help for your family. Adoption is a possibility in this situation.”

“I’ve already made my decision.”

“You can still change your mind; it’s not too late. Women have changed their minds at the last minute and are so grateful when they’re holding their baby in their arms.”

“Leave us alone or I’m calling the police.”

“That’s fine if you want to do that, but we’re just here to help you today.”

“Adoption? You think I’m going to carry this baby for nine months and then just give it away!?”

“That’s okay; how can we help you KEEP your baby?”

“Will you just shut up?” (from a boyfriend outside smoking)

“Okay, I’ll stop talking if you take and read this information and pass it on to your girlfriend. Otherwise, I need to tell you the truth about abortion and how we can help you and your girlfriend and your baby.”

“How many starving children have you helped?” “Do you eat meat?” “I suppose you support capital punishment.” (or any number of other irrelevant questions or comments, usually posed by a companion wishing to avoid the reality of what’s happening inside)

“This isn’t about that. It’s about a baby who’s in danger of being killed and your friend who’s in danger of being harmed by this abortion. You need to take this information in to her and have her come out and talk with me before it’s too late.”

“I’m fine.”

“Your baby won’t be fine if you go in there. And many women really regret their abortions afterwards.”

“God will forgive me.”

“God forgives us if we are truly repentant, but it’s wrong to presume on God’s forgiveness. Being repentant means turning away from the sin and now is the time to do that if you are being honest with God. Many women have trouble forgiving THEMSELVES after an abortion.”

“It’s too late. I’ve already started the abortion.”

“There’s a good chance your baby is still alive and is healthy! Babies have survived (the abortion pill or the first part of a late-abortion). Let’s call a doctor who can help you right now.” (See: Abortion Pill Reversal www.abortionpillreversal.com)

“I could die if I have this baby.”

“If that’s really the reason you’re having an abortion, let’s get you to a pro-life doctor who cares about BOTH you and your baby. Besides, this abortion could hurt you; women have even died from abortions.”

“I don’t really agree with this abortion, but I’m here to support her.” (from the woman’s companion)

“The best thing you can do is to help her NOT have the abortion. Even if she gets upset with you now, if she changes her mind, she will be SO grateful to you when she’s holding her baby in her arms! Take this information and fetal model in to her and tell her to come out and talk with us. Please do what you can to stop this abortion. Otherwise, YOU, too, will be suffering from your involvement in this abortion.”

“I can’t tell my parents I’m pregnant!”

“Yes, your parents will most likely be disappointed that you’re pregnant. But the parents I’ve known have come around, especially when the baby was born. They really love their grandchild. Do you really plan to keep this abortion secret from them? That’s a heavy burden to carry the rest of your life. We can help you tell your parents you’re pregnant.”